The sources said that 18 people have died after a powerful explosion hit an opposition election rally in north-western Pakistan. The suspected suicide attack happened in Charsadda, in the North West Frontier Province. The blast occurred at a rally of the Awami National Party (ANP), a secular Pashtun party, as campaigning began for elections due on 18 February. Correspondents say suspicions are likely to fall on Islamist groups. Javed Iqbal Cheema interior ministry spokesman told sources, “Apparently it was a suicide attack”.